Wet weather didn't stop melodies from filling Prince's Square for the Junction Arts Festival, bringing with it the feeling that the magic of live music had been missed.
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Friday evening's program started the weekend off with a groove in its step with musicians such as Thomas Mitchell and Henry Rippon, Amy Pegg, The Sheyana Band, Jay Jarome Trio, Boil Up, and Hugo Bladel all on the line up.
However crowd favourite and last-minute addition to the festival, Medhanit, was also on Friday's bill.
"I adore Junction Arts Festival and it's such a wonderful showcase of local talent," Medhanit said.
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"We are very fortunate to be able to gig at the moment, especially with limited restrictions."
Medhanit has played at several Junction Festival events previously, and has always found it special to present her work to family and friends.
"Everyone is so genuinely supportive," she said.
"[I'm] going in with some good dance pop beats, then trying out more of a rap feel in some of the songs [on Friday evening]."
Junction is one of the bigger and more well-known events to go ahead in the North of the state since the pandemic.
"[We need to] make sure we show arts and music and dance the respect it deserves," Medhanit said.
"[As well as] how much of a backbone the arts is in our society."
Incoming director of Junction Paul Selwyn Norton said it was a testimony to the love and support of the community that an event like Junction could still go ahead in current times.
"There's been so much care and attention and beauty put into this festival. It's a privelidged responsibility and I hold it with great respect," he said.
All signs point to the festival only getting bigger as the years move forward, with the event securing another three years of state government funding.
"I have an address book from heaven. I'm going to connect local artists statewide and, once the world opens up, elevate them into a global conversation," Mr Norton said.
"We're 10 [years old]. We all know what happens when boys and girls hit puberty and that's all I'm going to say about that."
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